The pressure to upgrade to Windows 11 is escalating - but just how serious is the situation?
Here's a fresh take on the provided article:
Say Goodbye to Windows 10: Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?
Get ready, folks! Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10 as of October 14, 2025. But is it time to jump ship and upgrade to Windows 11? Let's break it down.
In March, ASUS posted a blog warning the write was on the wall - update to Windows 11, stat! "Upgrading to Windows 11 isn't an option, it's becoming a necessity," they said. And with some major tech companies, like AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm, rolling out hardware that supports Microsoft's generative AI tool Copilot+, the pressure is on.
But is the hype justified?
Microsoft dropping support for Windows 10 means the OS won't receive any more feature updates, tech support, or security patches. Sure, it won't simply stop working, but with no more security updates, Windows 10 systems will be more vulnerable to viruses and malware.
So, should you just take the plunge and upgrade to Windows 11? Let's consider the options.
Investing in Windows 11 isn't a must-do
Plenty of ways to stick with Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, are available, such as Microsoft's own Extended Support Updates program and the Windows 10 Long-Term Service Channel, which can provide full security updates until 2032.
While both options enable you to keep using Windows 10, they come with hefty downsides, like a price tag and stripped-down features, making them less than ideal for every user.
Alternatively, you could venture into the wild world of Linux and enjoy the perks of an open-source operating system while diving deep into translation layers and software emulation to run your favorite applications. Linux is also known for keeping older hardware running smoothly, making it a worthwhile option if your current machine sports vintage hardware that can't meet Windows 11's requirements.
If the thought of custom-bootstrapping your OS makes you cringe, we get it. While Linux has a devoted following, it's not as user-friendly out of the box compared to Windows or macOS.
This brings us back to the choice of sticking with your version of Windows 10 or giving in to the Windows 11 update. Is the fuss over the new OS as intense as it seems?
Windows 11 isn't a total nightmare
We get it - technology eventually becomes outdated, and newer versions take over. Fortunately, Windows 11 makes for an easy setup and is user-friendly, even with some features relocated from Windows 10. A quick spin around the new OS will help you find your bearings.
And while you can't avoid Microsoft programs like OneDrive or the controversial Recall system on Copilot+ PCs, you can opt them out or remove them altogether if you wish. The Copilot chatbot is also optional, so you need not worry if you don't want to engage with it.
The gripes most users have with Windows 11 revolve around its hardware requirements. Windows 11 demands a GPU capable of running Microsoft's DirectX 12 API and a 1GHz CPU with at least two cores and 64-bit compatibility. This essentially means your hardware needs to be an Intel chip post-10th generation or an AMD processor post-3000 series.
Older hardware may struggle to meet these requirements, but remember, if your machine is five to seven years old, it's likely past its usual upgrade cycle of about four years. So maybe it's time for a new computer anyway.
Even if you aren't eager for all the fancy AI features of a Copilot+ PC, there are plenty of non-AI options that still give you the benefits of Windows 11 without the hassle of trying to squeeze Windows 10 for another decade.
And there may be an even younger sibling of Windows just around the corner. Who knows what the future may hold?
But Wait! What About Microsoft's Copilot+?
With Microsoft going all-in on AI, it's worth exploring what the future may hold for the tech giant's generative AI tool - Copilot+. Could this powerful new tool revolutionize the way we work and play? Let's take a closer peek.
Curious what others are saying about Copilot+? Check out these must-read articles:
- Microsoft may give Copilot a literal face with Live Portraits in its push for personal AI
- Make AI videos for free with OpenAI's Sora in Microsoft Bing
- This classic Windows program is finally getting features you'd expect in 2025
Tempted to dive deeper into the world of AI and see where it takes you? Stay tuned, and we'll explore the amazing potential of Copilot+ and other AI technologies together!
- While Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, ASUS recommends upgrading to Windows 11 due to the rollout of hardware that supports Microsoft's Copilot+.
- Even though the Windows 10 Long-Term Service Channel can provide security updates until 2032, it comes with stripped-down features and a price tag.
- Linux, as an open-source operating system, offers translation layers and software emulation to run favorite applications and can keep older hardware running smoothly.
- Windows 11 offers an easy setup and user-friendly experience, with the option to opt out or removed unwanted programs like OneDrive or the controversial Recall system.
- Windows 11 demands hardware capable of running Microsoft's DirectX 12 API and a 1GHz CPU with at least two cores and 64-bit compatibility, which may be challenging for older machinery.
- The new features of Windows 11 may mean it's time for an upgrade if your machine is five to seven years old, even without considering the potential benefits of Microsoft's Copilot+.
- The future may hold exciting opportunities for Microsoft's Copilot+, with articles discussing features like Live Portraits, AI videos, and updates to classic Windows programs.
